Algae

Algae

Algae contain chlorophyll and able to manufacture their own food and range from microscopic single cells to kelps, growing up to over 200 ft. in length.

Almost all forms of algae are found in water and reproduce either asexually or sexually. Commonly, free-swimming asexual spores (zoospores) are propelled by flagella but many produce various kinds of non-motile asexual spores. In some species the cells for reproduction look similar but are physiologically different. In others, eggs and sperms are produced in separate cells or organs.

Algae are an important food source for all aquatic animals, directly or indirectly. They assist in balancing the oxygen content in water by the release of oxygen as a by-product of photosynthesis. Some algae create contamination issues in the water supply by releasing toxins. Some marine forms are used as food, red algae are the source for agar, important in the culture of laboratory bacteria.

Alginic acid, used in ice cream is obtained from brown algae. Diatomaceous earth has many uses such as production of filters, insultation, polishes and cleansers.

The parent cell becomes modified, ruptures and zoospores are released as in the species Ulothrix, (above).